Supermoon

By. Sky Hong

Supermoon is a nickname that describes a full moon that occurs within 10% of its closest approach (300,000 km) to Earth and when a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. An elliptical orbit is an oval-shaped path, like a slightly elongated circle.

Supermoons occur when the Moon is at its closest distance to Earth, it can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full Moon at its longest distance from Earth.

Supermoons only happen three to four times a year, and always appear consecutively. In Korean Standard Time, October 17, 2024, was the last supermoon.

The next estimated supermoon is November 16, 2024, in Korean Standard Time.

Fun Fact; Winter Supermoons Are Supersized!

When a full moon occurs at the closest point to Earth during its orbit, it appears larger and brighter. Already the Supermoon may look 7% larger than our usual full Moon and can be about 16% brighter. So it would supersize in winter.